Two weeks after their victory against Villarreal (2-0), Real Madrid visited Celta Vigo as part of the 10th day of La Liga. In the first half, Carlo Ancelotti’s men dominated without really shining (59% possession compared to 41% for Celta, and 7 shots, including only 2 on target compared to 5 for their opponents). The Madrilenians finally took the advantage thanks to Kylian Mbappé.
On recovering the ball after an error by the Celticos, the French striker unleashed a magnificent floating shot from outside the area, which landed in the left corner of Vicente Guaita (0-1, 20th). This goal, his 6th in 8 championship matches, certainly did good for the captain of the Blues, who is going through a turbulent period due to recent extra-sporting controversies linked to a complaint for rape and sexual assault filed against him in Sweden. Celta Vigo, despite several opportunities to surprise Real, including a goal from Borja Iglesias canceled for offside, had to wait until the second half to return to the score.
Paid coaching for Ancelotti
From the restart, the Galician team imposed a sustained pace, and Oscar Mingueza perfectly found Williot Swedberg, who left Thibaut Courtois no chance (1-1, 52nd). Shortly after, Casa Blanca saw one of its goals canceled for offside. Vinicius, served by Mbappé, manages to find the net, but the Frenchman was positioned in front of the last defender. While the two teams neutralize each other, Ancelotti decides to make a change which will prove decisive: Luka Modric replaces Federico Valverde.
The Croatia captain wasted no time in proving decisive. In just two minutes, he delivered a perfect pass to Vinicius, who scored the 1-2 goal in the 66th minute. The 22 players continue to give blow for blow until the final whistle, but it is ultimately the Merengue who win. With this victory, Real Madrid joins Barça in the lead with 24 points, pending the Blaugranas’ match against Sevilla this Sunday.
